BJP eyes Bengal breakthrough as TMC pushes for fourth term amid counting-day row

The Bharatiya Janata Party has expressed confidence of a major breakthrough in West Bengal, claiming it is poised to unseat the ruling Trinamool Congress and form its first-ever government in the state.

As counting began for the 2026 assembly election, Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said the party was expecting a decisive mandate.

“People of the state have already rejected the Trinamool Congress government and, in a few hours, the overwhelming majority of seats will confirm that,” Bhattacharya said outside a counting centre in Kolkata.

“In the fight between Mamata Banerjee and the people, the people have rejected Mamata Banerjee,” he added.

The election is a high-stakes contest for both sides.

While the TMC is seeking a fourth consecutive term, the BJP is hoping to script history by ending Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year rule and establishing itself in one of India’s most politically significant states.

Mamata alleges foul play

Ahead of counting, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged party workers and polling agents to remain vigilant, alleging suspicious activity near strong rooms overnight.

In a post on X, the TMC chief claimed she had received reports of phased power outages and disruptions to CCTV surveillance in several districts, including Hooghly, Nadia, Burdwan and parts of Kolkata.

“Be vigilant. Keep watch. Stay awake at night. File complaints,” Banerjee said.

She alleged that load-shedding was being deliberately imposed and claimed vehicles were moving in and out of strong room premises during CCTV disruptions.

The allegations have heightened political tensions on counting day, though election authorities have said robust security arrangements are in place across all counting centres.

Suvendu Adhikari invokes ‘change’

West Bengal Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari offered prayers at the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Bhabanipur before counting began.

“God is with us. A government that protects the interests of Sanatan Dharma is coming,” Adhikari said.

Responding to TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee’s comments on repolling in the Falta assembly constituency, Adhikari accused the ruling party of arrogance.

“This shows his ego. This won’t work. Democracy wins every time in the country,” he said.

Drawing comparisons with political shifts in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Adhikari said Bengal was poised for similar change.

The counting is being closely watched nationally, with the result expected to have major implications for both the BJP’s expansion strategy and the opposition’s political standing ahead of future elections.